Peruvian University Students Research Articles

Transformation of learning and writing in English: An analysis of strategies and competences in Peruvian university students

This study aims to understand the impact of learning strategies on students' ability to produce effective texts in English. Additionally, it seeks to identify the students' discursive and functional competencies by analyzing their relationship with the use of learning strategies. The study follows a basic design with a quantitative approach, utilizing a hypothetical-deductive method and adopting a non-experimental correlational descriptive approach within a positivist paradigm.The relationship between learning strategies and the production of texts in English was examined among university students. The findings indicate that 18.6% of the participants always employ learning strategies, while 44.3% use them quite often. A significant portion of the students (47.14%) frequently utilize cognitive and control strategies. Additionally, 32.9% of the students sometimes employ learning support strategies. Regarding discursive and functional competencies, 35.7% of students demonstrate a regular level in both,while 31.4% display a good level in both competencies. Encouragingly, 40% of the students achieve a good level in text production, and 24.3% reach an excellent level. These findings provide valuable insights for the design of educational strategies. This study contributes knowledge and validity to the teaching of English as a foreign language and text production in the university context. It holds significant value by enhancing students' English text production skills and preparing them to tackle communication challenges in diverse academic and professional settings.

Effect of emotional exhaustion on satisfaction with studies and academic procrastination among Peruvian university students

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of emotional exhaustion on satisfaction with studies and academic procrastination among Peruvian university students.MethodsAn explanatory study was conducted with 1,011 Peruvian university students (60.2% women and 39.8% men). The Brief Satisfaction with Studies Scale (EBSE), Emotional Exhaustion Scale (ECE), and the Academic Procrastination Scale (EPA) were used to measure the variables.ResultsThe results revealed that the explanatory model had an acceptable fit, χ2(1) = 7.7, p = 0.006, CFI = 0.982, RMSEA = 0.081, SRMR = 0.021. These findings provide evidence that emotional exhaustion negatively affects satisfaction with studies (β = −0.30, p < 0.001) and positively influences academic procrastination (β = 0.15, p < 0.001).ConclusionEmotional exhaustion is decisive in satisfaction with studies and academic procrastination.

Adaptation and validation of the research task distractor scale in Peruvian university students

Unconventional distractions such as electronic devices are stimuli that divert attention during study tasks, especially those related to scientific research exercises in undergraduate education. In the absence of precise instruments to measure this phenomenon, the objective was to adapt and validate the Scale of Distractions in Research Tasks among Peruvian university students. The study is classified as an instrumental cross-sectional design, involving 1,003 university students aged between 18 and 47 years (M = 20.93, SD = 4.30) from three regions of Peru (Coast, Highlands, and Jungle), selected through convenience sampling. Content validity was assessed using Aiken’s V coefficient, internal structure was examined through confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability was measured using the Omega coefficient. The results indicated that the judges positively evaluated the 5 items (V > 0.70), the internal structure confirmed the original model with satisfactory fit indices (χ2 (2) = 5.47, p = 0.187, CFI = 0.998, RMSEA = 0.023, and SRMR = 0.010), and the reliability was acceptable (ω = 0.86). In conclusion, the Peruvian version of the Scale of Distractions in Research Tasks has demonstrated to be a valid and reliable instrument, characterized by its brevity and a unifactorial structure.

Mental Health in the Post-Pandemic Period: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Peruvian University Students upon Return to Face-to-Face Classes

Mental health is considered an indicator of well-being in which people perceive their own potential, can face adverse life situations, function adequately and fruitfully, and are capable of contributing to society. In this sense, the objective of the present investigation was to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress in Peruvian university students upon their return to face-to-face classes. The quantitative approach was used, the design was non-experimental, and the type was descriptive of a cross-section. The sample consisted of 746 students who were administered the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, an instrument with adequate psychometric properties. The results indicate that the students presented low levels of depression and anxiety. However, they presented moderate levels of stress. High, direct, and significant correlations were also reported between depression and anxiety (rs = 0.850; p < 0.05), between depression and stress (rs = 0.840; p < 0.05), and between anxiety and stress (rs = 0.836; p < 0.05). It was also determined that depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly associated with some sociodemographic factors such as gender and age group (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the students presented symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Therefore, it is necessary for university authorities to implement strategies for the evaluation and prevention of these symptoms and for the promotion of better mental health in future professionals to promote their personal well-being and quality of life.

Development and validation of the motivation to publish scale-scientific articles (EMP-AC) for Peruvian university students

ObjectiveTo design and validate the motivation to publish scale-scientific articles (EMP-AC) for Peruvian university students.MethodsThis was an instrumental study in which 653 health, business, humanities and engineering students from private and state universities in the 3 regions of Peru participated. The scale was designed in 5 stages following international standards. The internal structure was assessed through both an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).ResultsThe content analysis by expert judges also supported the representativeness of the items related to the construction. The internal structure of the 13-item scale was confirmed through the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) which showed a structure of three factors: commitment, behavior, and intentional state as initially proposed. Previous analyses of goodness of fit indices were satisfactory (χ2 (167) = 276.93, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.93; RMSEA = 0.07 [0.06–0.08]; SRMR = 0.06).ConclusionThe EMP-AC shows initial evidence of validity and reliability; therefore, it can be applied in the study of the motivation to publish scientific articles by Peruvian university students.

Translation and validation of the Revised Attitudes Toward Research Scale (R-ATR) in Peruvian university students

This study aimed to translate and validate the Revised Attitudes Toward Research Scale (R-ATR; Papanastasiou, 2014) in Peruvian university students. A total of 214 students participated, 65.9% female, with a mean age of 24.79 years (SD = 5.15), from a private university in Metropolitan Lima. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to test the R-ATR model of three correlated factors, obtaining an acceptable fit. On the other hand, excellent reliability coefficients for internal consistency and appropriate evidence of content validity were obtained. It is concluded that this Spanish version of the R-ATR has adequate evidence of validity and reliability that accredits its use in the Peruvian context.

Psychometric Properties and Sociodemographic Profile of the Perceived Stress Scale in Peruvian University Students

Psychometric Properties and Sociodemographic Profile of the Perceived Stress Scale in Peruvian University Students

The influence of self-esteem, depression, and life satisfaction on the future expectations of Peruvian university students

IntroductionStrengthening the self-confidence of future professionals can help them achieve professional goals with a likelihood of being able to achieve them in the future. The objective was to determine whether self-esteem, depression, and life satisfaction influence the future expectations of Peruvian university students.MethodsA total of 708 university students participated (64.8% were female, mean age = 21.49; SD = 4.83). The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and the Adolescent Future Expectations Scale were used. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the impact of selfesteem, depression, and life satisfaction on future expectations.ResultsThe model relating the study variables demonstrated an adequate fit (p < 0.001, CFI = 0.940, RMSEA = 0.073), confirming the relationship between self-esteem (β = 0.33, p < 0.001), life satisfaction (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), and depression (β = −0.14, p < 0.010.) with future expectations. This model explained 36% of future expectations.DiscussionIn conclusion, future expectations may be affected by low levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction and high levels of depression.

Affective, Cognitive, and Behavioral Attitudes towards Research in Peruvian University Students

The affective, cognitive, and behavioral attitudes towards research in students of public and private universities in Peru were analyzed according to socio-academic variables. Methodology. 2448 university students from a public university and 4 private universities participated; intentional sampling was used. In addition, the study was descriptive-comparative, quantitative, and non-experimental. An adequately validated measurement instrument was applied to determine students' attitudes. Results. A moderate level was found in attitudes towards research in university students (mean = 77.06, standard deviation = 12.32, median = 77, ranges from 0 to 140) for both affective and cognitive attitudes found at moderate level observing some assessment of favorable attitude, however, in behavioral attitude the average was low, being valued as unfavorable attitude towards the research. It is concluded that university students according to the area of health sciences have better attitudes towards research than students of social sciences and engineering; in addition, students of public universities have better cognitive attitudes than private students, as well as are women who present better clarity in the behavioral and cognitive attitude than male students and are the students of the last cycles of study those who value and present a more extraordinary vocation for research than students of the first cycles

Emotional Intelligence in Times of Covid-19: a Comparative Study in Peruvian Universities

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare emotional intelligence in Peruvian university students from public and private universities. Theoretical framework: In higher education, emotionally intelligent students have the ability to interact appropriately with others, achieve good academic results, and reach personal and professional goals. Method: The methodology was descriptive-comparative, the sample consisted of 838 university students of both sexes from public (471) and private (364) universities belonging to the coast, highlands and jungle regions of Peru. A sociodemographic form created for the study and the emotional intelligence scale (TMMS-24) were used as measurement instruments. Results and conclusion: The results showed that university students over 30 years of age, women, those from the highlands and those who worked had high levels of emotional intelligence. Implications of the research: It is necessary for university institutions to reorganize their academic conditions and provide the necessary inputs to apply socioemotional strategies to students. Researchers linked to the lines of research on emotional intelligence should develop predictive studies to know which factors may be predicting adequate or inadequate emotional intelligence in university students. Originality: This study demonstrates that it is essential to attend to and provide emotional intelligence tools to those students who do not have the necessary resources to face different situations in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and contributes to the training of educators, especially environmental educators in crisis contexts.

Technological Devices and Digital Competences: A Look into the Digital Divides for University Continuity during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Virtual education has gained great relevance in recent years, due to the pandemic. The access to electronic devices and services represents an urgent necessity and thus the concern for acquiring digital competences, which allow a proper interaction within the teaching–learning process. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of having digital resources and the adaptability of their use from the university students’ homes during the pandemic crisis. This research intends to identify the relevant challenges regarding the accessibility to technological devices and digital competences that university students had to face to obtain suitable learning during the lockdown, due to the pandemic. The sample information consisted of 9326 Peruvian university students. The data was obtained from the National Homes Survey from the Statistics and Information National Institute, and it was distributed in twenty-five regions (in groups of five macro-regions) over a period of three years (2019–2021). The results showed significant differences in the number of students with internet access from home: between 40% and 60% access classes with a desktop or laptop, and digital competences have improved in the last year. This is evidence that digital divides set limits on the opportunities for a quality education.

Redes sociales y acción colectiva contra el cambio climático en estudiantes universitarios peruanos

El estudio busca analizar si las variables del Modelo de Identidad Social para la Acción Colectiva (SIMCA) median la relación entre el uso de las redes sociales y la acción colectiva ambiental. La investigación usó un diseño correlacional multivariado, basado en el análisis del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM), con una muestra de 259 estudiantes universitarios peruanos. Se encontró que la eficacia grupal medió la relación entre el uso de redes y los hábitos contra el cambio climático. Además, se halló que la moral, la ira, la identificación con los activistas y la eficacia grupal mediaron parcialmente la relación entre el uso de redes sociales y la acción colectiva virtual contra el cambio climático. Se concluye que la conexión entre las redes y la acción colectiva varía en función del tipo de acción colectiva ambiental.

Effect of Chat GPT on the digitized learning process of university students

This study's main objective was to determine how the use of ChatGPT has impacted the digitalized education system among Peruvian university students. This study used descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis using the data collected randomly from 216 students’ responses on the Twitter website on the various experiences they have of ChatGPT. According to this research, 71.30% of participants who participated in the discussion agreed that they use ChatGPT as it is fast and provides the most accurate answers. Fifty participants representing 23.15% of the total indicated in the discussion that they use ChatGPT since it is free and easy to use. Additionally, the linear regression analysis to determine its cost, recommendation, rate of task completion and preference as any impact on the usage of ChatGPT and how this affects the digitalized learning process. And from the result, there was a positive correlation between the independent variable of student use of ChatGPT and the dependent variables of the rate of assignment completion, cost, and preference for using ChatGPT because of its services.
 Given that most students may access ChatGPT for no cost, and its estimated cost variable was 0.379, it is widely used by them. These results prove that ChatGPT significantly impacts the digitalized learning process as many students prefer to use ChatGPT to handle tasks. Therefore, it is clear that institutions should come up with ways of dealing with students' growing use of AI bots.

Psychometric evaluation and invariance of the Spanish version of the Block Fat Screener (BFS-E) in university students.

University students constantly face a number of health challenges related to an unhealthy diet, characterized by a high intake of saturated fats. This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Block Fat Screener (BFS-E) food frequency questionnaire in a university population. An observational analytical study of instrumental type was carried out in 5608 Peruvian university students. Based on the Block Fat Screener questionnaire, a back-translation and cultural adaptation process was carried out. The validity of the questionnaire was determined through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), hypothesizing a unidimensional structure. For the determination of reliability, the alpha coefficients were considered; likewise, the ω and H coefficients were used to evaluate the construct. The model explained 63% of the cumulative variance. The CFA confirmed the unidimensionality of the 16-item questionnaire with appropriate goodness-of-fit indicators; therefore, which model of the Peruvian version adequately fits the observed data. The values of the reliability coefficients were higher than 0.90, with ordinal α = 0.94, ω = 0.94, and H = 0.95. The Spanish version of the Block Fat Screener food frequency questionnaire presents adequate psychometric properties and is therefore a valid scale to quickly measure fat intake in university students in a Latin American context.

Diseño y validación de la escala de motivación para publicar un artículo científico en universitarios peruanos (MOPu-AC)

IntroductionPromoting student scientific production in Peru requires motivation to publish scientific articles. The objective of this study was to design and validate the scale of motivation to publish a scientific article in Peruvian university students. MethodsCross-sectional instrumental study, in which 417 university students of health sciences (58.0% women), aged 18 to 35 years (SD = 20.77, SD = 3.49), who were selected under a non-probabilistic convenience sampling, participated. Participants were recruited from medicine, nursing, psychology and nutrition, from two universities in southern Peru (private and state). The scale was designed in 5 stages, following international standards. Aiken's V coefficient was used to assess content-based validity, confirmatory factor analysis was used to analyze internal structure, and reliability was assessed by means of the Omega coefficient. ResultsAll items obtained a favorable evaluation in the expert judgment (V > 0.70). The confirmatory factor analysis supported an internal structure composed of 9 items distributed in 1 factor, reporting satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices (Chi2 = 62.72 with 27 gl, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.02 and WRMR = 0.06). Finally, reliability reached a very acceptable level (ω = 0.96). ConclusionThe MOPu-AC scale demonstrates initial psychometric evidence of content-based validity, internal structure and reliability in university students in southern Peru; therefore, it may be useful as a management tool for formative research.

Factorial Equivalence of the Social Skills Scale in the Lambayeque University Context According to Sex

This study aimed to show whether the theoretical model of the social skills construct, proposed by Gismero (2000), is invariant in male and female samples of Peruvian university students from Lambayeque. In order to meet the proposed objective, a non-experimental, cross-sectional, comparative psychometric design by hierarchical confirmatory procedures was chosen. Two samples of university students were used, one of 1,084 female students and the other of 1,043 male students. Both groups were applied the self-report of social skills (EHS). With the data obtained, a confirmatory factor analysis of the first-order factor structure of the social skills construct was performed in each group, based on the polychoric correlation matrix. The invariance of the scale according to sex was evaluated on the basis of the second-order factor structure, by means of multigroup confirmatory factor analysis of nested models. No significant differences in the fit to the data were found between the two-factor second-order factor structure and the alternative one-factor model. Consecutive tests of configurational invariance, disturbance, and first- and second-order metrics gave evidence, respectively, that the model structure, second-order factor errors, and first- and second-order loadings are equivalent in the two study samples. With the data from the study, it is concluded that the structure of the EHS scale is invariant to the sex variable in the Lambayeque context.
 
 Received: 21 December 2022 / Accepted: 6 February 2023 / Published: 5 March 2023

Development and psychometric study of the scale of the positive relationship PRIM + 19 in peruvian university students

BackgroundPositive relationships are one of the most important components within the PERMA model since they facilitate the development of the other components. However, in the scientific literature, few instruments have been identified with solid psychometric properties that measure positive relationships in university students and adequately represent the construct. Therefore, the study aims to develop and study the psychometric properties of the PRI + 19 positive relationships scale through Confirmatory Factor Analysis, factorial invariance, and relationship-based validity with other variables.MethodA pilot sample of 201 university students (43.8% men and 56.2 women) between the ages of 18 and 34 (M = 20.9; SD = 2.74) was collected. The confirmatory sample consisted of 450 university students of both sexes (30.2% men and 69.8 women) between the ages of 18 and 35 years (M = 21.9; SD = 3.15). Along with the PRI + scale, other instruments were applied to measure satisfaction with life and psychological well-being.ResultsIn the pilot study, the Exploratory Factor Analysis showed the presence of three factors that could explain 54.5% of the items. In the confirmatory study, the Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the model of three dimensions related to 19 items presents the best adjustment indexes compared to other models (χ2 = 541.61; df = 149; CFI = 0.97; TLI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.077 [IC90% 0.070 ‒ 0.084]). The scale also showed evidence of being strictly invariant for the groups of men and women. Finally, it was shown that the development of the positive bonds dimension positively predicts psychological well-being (0.35) and life satisfaction (0.20). The positive relationship management dimension positively predicts psychological well-being (0.28) and life satisfaction (0.29). Similarly, the integration dimension positively predicts psychological well-being (0.48) and life satisfaction (0.52).ConclusionThis study suggests that the PRIM + 19 scale is a useful tool from which valid and reliable interpretations of positive relationships in Peruvian university students can be obtained.

Generic Competences in Peruvian University Students

In higher education, generic competencies are those common to most students that can be used in the activities of a sector or organization. The objective was to identify generic competencies in Peruvian university students. The study was a descriptive, non-experimental cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 567 university students of both sexes from public and private universities in Peru. The instrument applied was the questionnaire of generic competencies of university students (CCGEU). The results showed that Peruvian university students have a sufficient level of generic competencies; they use generic competencies almost always or always in the development of their activities. Likewise, in the dimensions, systemic competencies have the highest value, followed by interpersonal and instrumental competencies. It is concluded that most Peruvian university students use generic competencies at a sufficient level; however, some students never or almost never use them, so it would be important for the Peruvian university institutions where the participants study to implement strategies to strengthen generic competencies.

Research skills for university students' thesis in E-learning: Scale development and validation in Peru

BackgroundThe aims of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties and to characteristics of a scale on research skills as well as to characterize the experience of university thesis students using information databases (i.e., Scopus or Web of Science) and bibliographic reference managers. MethodsA sample of 1598 university students from five departments, acroos the different campuses of one Peruvian university. The psychometric properties of the instrument were evaluated using factor analysis and measurement invariance according to sex and age groups. In addition, an internal consistency analysis was conducted for scale reliability using Cronbach's alpha, ordinal alpha, and the omega index. ResultsOur study identified that the unidimensional model with correlated errors showed adequate indicators of reliability and goodness of fit, with the exception of the RMSEA, which shows values higher than 0.08. Measurement invariance by sex and age group was present. The majority of university students in E-learning showed use of the bibliographic manager Mendeley (52.13%), low ability to use information databases such as Scopus (22.24%) or Web of Science (17.26%), and the least skilled research skills were in formulating the problem, objectives, and hypotheses (51.63%) and carrying out data analysis and processing using statistical techniques (49.37%). ConclusionsThe conclusions of the study were that the 8-item research skills instrument presents acceptable psychometric indicators in Peruvian university students in thesis courses. Likewise, a scarce use of global databases, the approach to the research topic, and carrying out its statistical processing.

Reflexive, Ambivalent and Inclusive. Masculinities Among Young University Students in Lima, Peru

This research contrasts the responses of two generations of young Peruvian university students to the demands of women’s movements and TLGBIQ collectives. It concludes that the millennial generation presents changes as well as persistent continuities. Their relationship with feminism is ambivalent; they accept its legitimacy, but feel threatened by the prospect of dismantling certain certainties. In line with changes observed in global youth culture, young millennials are more inclusive and are willing to accept that being masculine does not imply being heterosexual.